Breast biopsy
It is the most suitable procedure to rule out or check for breast cancer by taking internal samples of the lesion.
A multi-technique study
Breast biopsies are obtained through different collection methods, some more invasive than others; however, this will depend on the type of condition each patient presents and the suspicious area to be accessed.
Local anesthesia is applied to the patient for each sample.
They offer the patient a high percentage of diagnostic effectiveness.


Reliable procedures
Having a safe and timely result is the best way to stop the emergence of a more serious condition.

Results in a few days
In less than a week the patient will calm all her doubts when she finally learns the pathologist's conclusions.

The Specialist
Our pathology team will work extensively on the specimen to determine the complexity of the lesion.
Excisional biopsy is performed through a surgical procedure, in which the abnormal tissue present in the breast is completely removed. In some cases, in addition to removing the suspicious lump, the surgeon may also remove a few centimeters of normal tissue around the wound (this is known as the margin). The advantage of this type of biopsy is that it provides the patient with a definitive diagnosis with certain results and no false negatives.
How is an excisional biopsy performed?
If the procedure is carried out in an area that is difficult to access or impalpable to the touch, it is very likely that other methods of exploration such as mammography, x-rays or localization by means of a harpoon needle will be used beforehand to mark exactly the correct spot for the biopsy. Once the area is located, the entire tissue is removed with the help of a scalpel and other medical instruments, and the wound is closed with surgical stitches. The sample obtained will be examined by the pathologist, who will be in charge of sending the results found.The excisional biopsy is similar to a regular surgery, being performed under anesthesia and requiring a few days of rest.
Percutaneous biopsy is an outpatient procedure, much less invasive and faster than excisional biopsy. Before the procedure, the doctor will apply local anesthesia and disinfect the breast area, then extract a small portion of abnormal tissue through a needle or probe directly on the breast. The removed sample is sent to the laboratory for the corresponding analysis. In a few days, the patient will know the results obtained, what her diagnosis is and the next actions to be taken.
Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy is a diagnostic technique that allows the extraction of a small portion of sample directly from the central point of a lesion.
The procedure uses ultrasound guidance to accurately locate the suspicious nodule within the breast, then the physician will access the area through puncture with a hollow needle specially designed for these cases.
Benefits of ultrasound-guided breast biopsy
- As this is an ultrasound-assisted method, the patient is not at risk of exposure to X-rays.
- It is ambulatory in nature.
- Local anesthesia is used, so the patient will be conscious throughout the procedure.
- It is minimally invasive.
- It helps to effectively determine whether or not the injury warrants further surgery.
- After any of these examinations it is very common to observe the appearance of temporary bruising, aches and mild pains, which should progressively disappear with the use of common analgesics.
- Do not engage in sports activities involving physical exertion for 12 hours, or for the time stipulated by your doctor.
- The application of local cold can be really helpful in reducing breast discomfort.
- Increased temperature of the area, redness, bleeding or excessive pain may be warning signs, so it is best to contact the treating physician promptly.
How to prepare before a breast biopsy?

Preparation for a breast biopsy is simple; however, in some cases it may vary according to the type of procedure you will undergo.
Generally, you will need to remove the clothes you arrived at the clinic in and change into a medical gown for comfort.
In the days prior to the biopsy, the specialist will evaluate with you your medical history, allergies and daily medications, in order to restrict the intake of drugs that prevent clotting or scarring. They will also explain in detail the procedure and the steps to be followed on the day of the breast biopsy.
Benefits
Breast biopsy is the most accurate and direct way to rule out suspected breast cancer. Additionally, it is a quick and painless procedure.
Breast biopsies are usually recommended by the specialist in case of:
- Perceiving an abnormal lump or thickening of the breast.
- Noticing a questionable image or unusual lesion on a previous mammogram, ultrasound or MRI.
- Observe alterations in the appearance of the nipple, areola or secretions in the mammary ducts.
Breast biopsy results
The results of a breast biopsy may take a week or a little longer, as the tissue sample collected requires thorough pathological analysis.
The pathology report will describe whether there is (or is not) the presence of breast cancer or some other type of precancerous change.

If the report shows a positive result, it will also include information of interest about the type of breast cancer found. Based on this data, the physician will be able to offer you effective treatment alternatives for your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
All breast biopsies require anesthetics to prevent the patient from feeling pain during the test. In percutaneous breast biopsy and ultrasound-guided biopsy, local anesthesia is used because they are both outpatient techniques; excisional breast biopsy is similar to surgery and often requires general anesthesia.
The patient is advised to avoid any type of strenuous activity during the first 24 hours, in order to prevent sudden movements from reactivating bleeding at the biopsy site.
Breast biopsy is a minimally invasive test, so the patient will leave the clinic and go home the same day. The doctor may suggest a day of relative rest while the discomfort of the procedure subsides.
Potential risks from a breast biopsy include:
- Inflammation of the breast.
- Hematomas.
- Infection.
- Changes in the appearance of the breast caused by the portion of tissue removed and the scarring of the breast.